AN ACADEMIC from the University of Reading is set to bear evidence at a government inquiry into insect decline and UK food security.
Prof Simon Potts, director at the centre for Agri-environmental Research at Reading, will appear before the Science, Innovation and Technology Committee to respond to concerns that bees, hoverflies, butterflies, moths and beetles populations are declining in the UK.
This threatens natural processes important in food production.
He said: “Pollination by bees and insects contributes more than £600 million to the UK economy every year but habitat loss, insecticides, and climate change are harming populations, meaning less food is produced.
“Efforts to support bees have shown promise, but more awareness and coordination are needed to ensure the UK’s food security for future generations.”
MPs will examine the latest evidence for insect decline in the UK, the key drivers of insect loss, and the potential impacts on food security and the environment.
Prof Potts will give his evidence on Wednesday, June 7, which will focus on interpreting insect decline data.
